Blow moulding machine with cleaning system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for transforming plastic preforms into containers may include at least one blow mould which forms a cavity, inside which the plastic preforms can be transformed into containers. The apparatus may include a pressure application device for applying a medium to the plastic preforms in order to expand the preforms against an inner wall of the blow mould delimiting the cavity. The apparatus may include a stretching rod for stretching the plastic preforms in the longitudinal direction. The apparatus may include a cleaning device for cleaning regions of the blow mould. The cleaning device may include at least one outlet opening for a cleaning medium for cleaning the blow mould, and this outlet opening is arranged at least at times inside the blow mould.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of German PatentApplication No. 10 2009 036 922.8, filed Aug. 11, 2009, pursuant to 35U.S.C. 119(a)-(d), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to apparatuses for transformingplastic preforms into plastic containers and, in particular, to blowmoulding machines with a cleaning system.

BACKGROUND

Apparatuses for moulding plastic preforms into plastic containers havebeen known from the prior art for a long time. Some conventional blowmoulding machines comprise a blow mould, inside which the plasticpreforms are expanded through the application of pressure to formplastic containers. During this stretch-blow moulding of plasticcontainers, so-called oligomers, i.e. short-chain molecules or foreignsubstances, are excreted onto the blow mould from the plastic of theplastic preforms. The surface of these blow moulds therefore becomesdull and in the extreme case rough as it becomes increasingly soiled.However, this has negative effects on the bottle quality, since this maylead to the situation whereby the bottle appearance may become cloudy onaccount of the dull blow moulds or else the cooling on the mould surfaceis reduced as a result of the roughness.

Since both of these problems are unacceptable, the blow moulds must becleaned and usually polished at regular intervals. Particularly highdegrees of soiling by oligomers occur when working with high mouldtemperatures for process reasons (e.g. in the case of hot fillprocesses), since soiling is much faster with hot moulds and thecleaning of the moulds in the hot state can be carried out only with asafety risk due to the risk of burning. Particularly in the case of aso-called hot filling installation with a blow moulding machine and afiller block, this cleaning of the moulds is often a very negativeaspect. Another aspect for the cleaning of blow moulds, even in the caseof so-called cold moulds (e.g. below 100° C.), is hygiene. Particularlywhen bottling sensitive products, it is important to avoid as far aspossible any spreading of germs or spores on the outer wall of thebottle in the filler region. Regular and good cleaning of the blowmoulds helps to ensure this. Cleaning is thus always to be understoodalso to mean a reduction in germs and spores.

A container production apparatus and a production method for mouldedbodies are known from WO 2008 125216 A2. In this case, a radiationdevice is arranged at or on the blow moulding machine, the radiationbeing directed at least onto one region of the blow moulding machine.

It may therefore be desirable to simplify the cleaning of such blowmoulding machines and to provide an automated method for cleaning blowmoulds.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An apparatus according to the disclosure for transforming plasticpreforms into containers may comprise at least one blow mould whichforms a cavity, inside which the plastic preforms can be transformedinto containers. The apparatus may also comprise a pressure applicationdevice for applying a medium to the plastic preforms in order to expandthe latter against an inner wall of the blow mould delimiting thecavity. Also provided is a stretching rod for stretching the plasticpreforms in the longitudinal direction thereof, wherein the apparatuscomprises a cleaning device for cleaning regions of the blow mould.

According to the disclosure, the cleaning device comprises at least oneoutlet opening for a cleaning medium for cleaning the blow mould, andthis outlet opening is arranged at least at times inside the blow mould.

By virtue of this procedure, a cleaning of the blow mould in particularduring ongoing operation is possible, without operation of the apparatushaving to be stopped for a relatively long time for this purpose. It isthus possible to apply the cleaning medium to the blow mould at regularintervals. Furthermore, the arrangement of this outlet opening alsopermits a cleaning of the blow mould in a closed state.

The blow mould may thus be able also to be transferred from a closed toan open state.

In some aspects, the stretching rod is movable relative to the plasticpreforms or the threads thereof in the longitudinal direction of theplastic preforms.

The pressure application device may comprise a blowing nozzle whichapplies the gaseous medium, such as, for example, air, to the containersvia the mouth of the latter.

In order to compensate for the abovementioned disadvantages, it istherefore proposed to provide for the use of an automatic cleaningprocess. The cleaning device may thus be able to carry out the cleaningof the containers in an automated manner. It is also possible toretrofit the cleaning device on already existing machines. Furthermore,by virtue of the proposed procedure, the blow mould or the entire mouldcarrier can be kept closed during sterilisation, and there is thereforeno risk that the sterilising medium will be applied to the entire blowmoulding machine, including the greased cam bearings thereof. In thisway, possible corrosion damage can be avoided.

According to some aspects, the apparatus has a reservoir for thesterilising medium and a rotary distributor. It would also be possibleto provide on each blowing station a dedicated reservoir for thesterilising medium, which can be filled cyclically.

Suitable cleaning agents are those substances which can be used to clean(CIP cleaning) the outside and inside of machines and installations inthe beverage-bottling industry. Examples of such cleaning agents aresodium hydroxide (NaOH), acidic cleaning agents based on phosphoricacid, acidic cleaning agents based on nitric acid, disinfecting agentsbased on acetic acid, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, chloralkali cleaningagents, hot water or steam. In addition, chlorine dioxide could also beused as the cleaning agent.

In some embodiments, the outlet opening is designed as a nozzle for thecleaning medium. It would also be possible that a plurality of nozzlesare provided, so that larger areas of the inner wall or even the entireinner wall can be sprayed or wetted in some other way.

In some exemplary embodiments, the blow mould has two side parts whichcan be pivoted away from one another and which in a closed state formthe cavity in their interior. During operation, a preform is placed intothe blow mould in a moved-apart state of the mould halves and then themould halves are closed and finally the plastic preform is expanded toform the container.

In various embodiments, the blow mould has a bottom part. This bottompart may be advantageously separate from the side parts and closes theblow mould in the downward direction.

In some exemplary embodiments, at least one outlet opening is arrangedin the stretching rod, in a bottom part of the blow mould and/or thepressure application device. In this way it is possible that thecleaning medium can be introduced via the stretching rod, via the bottompart of the blow mould or else the pressure application device, such asfor example the blowing nozzle.

However, it would also be possible that a plurality of outlet openingsor nozzles are arranged in the bottom mould or also a plurality ofoutlet openings in the stretching rod of the pressure applicationdevice. Outlet openings could also be provided both in the bottom partand in the stretching rods or both in the stretching rod and in thepressure application device or both in the bottom part and the pressureapplication device.

In some embodiments, the stretching rod has an end section pointingtowards a bottom of the containers and the outlet opening is arranged inthis end section. This end section is the section of the stretching rodwhich protrudes as far as the bottom of the plastic preforms during thestretching process.

In some exemplary embodiments, the stretching rod has a plurality ofoutlet openings which are distributed, in particular evenly distributed,in the circumferential direction. Advantageously, these openings may beoriented at an angle, so that the medium emerges at an angle from theseopenings. In this way it is possible to apply the cleaning medium to theentire wall of the blow mould in the circumferential direction. It wouldalso be possible to configure the stretching rod such that it can rotatefor the cleaning mode.

In various embodiments, the outlet opening is arranged in a centralregion of a bottom part of the blow mould. In this case, the bottom partmay for example have a raised area in this central region, wherein aso-called injection point of the container may also be advantageouslylocated in this central region during the blowing process.

In some embodiments, the blow mould has discharge openings fordischarging the cleaning medium. In this case it is possible that thecleaning agent is applied to the inner wall of the blow mould in aclosed state of the blow mould and is then discharged via said dischargeopenings.

According to various aspects, the discharge openings may be provided ina bottom part of the blow mould. In this way it is possible that thecleaning fluid collects in the bottom region after the cleaning processand is discharged via said openings which are preferably arranged in lowregions of the bottom part.

In some exemplary embodiments, the blow mould is arranged in a movablemanner. In this case, the blow mould is preferably arranged next tofurther blow moulds on a carrier wheel.

The present disclosure also relates to an arrangement for transformingplastic preforms into plastic containers and in particular beveragecontainers, wherein this arrangement comprises a plurality ofapparatuses of the type described above and wherein these apparatusesare arranged on a common transport device.

In some aspects, the arrangement may comprise a rotary arrangement,wherein the transport of the apparatuses may take place continuously orelse in cycles.

The present disclosure also relates to a method for transforming plasticpreforms into plastic containers, wherein the plastic preforms areexpanded inside a cavity through the application of a medium to formplastic performs. This cavity is formed by at least one inner wall ofthe blow mould and the blow mould can be transferred from an open stateto a closed state, wherein a cleaning mode is provided, in which noplastic container is accommodated inside the blow mould and at least oneregion of the blow mould is cleaned by the application of a cleaningmedium. According to the disclosure, the application of the medium canbe carried out in a closed state of the blow mould.

In an exemplary method, the cleaning medium is introduced into thecavity through a bottom region of the blow mould, through the stretchingrod and/or a blowing nozzle.

Some further advantages and embodiments may become evident from theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary apparatus according tovarious aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a detail view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a further detail view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a detail view of the blow mould of an exemplary apparatusaccording to various aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a further detail view of the blow mould of an exemplaryapparatus according to various aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a view of a stretching rod;

FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of the stretching rod of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a further sectional view of the stretching rod of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of an exemplary blow mould arrangementaccording to various aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a bottom part;

FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of the bottom part shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows a view of the bottom part from below;

FIG. 13 shows a side view of the bottom part;

FIG. 14 shows a view of a blow mould arranged in a clean chamber;

FIG. 15 shows a view to illustrate a cleaning of the blow mould via thestretching rod;

FIGS. 16 a,b show two views of an exemplary embodiment according tovarious aspects of the disclosure;

FIGS. 17 a,b show two views of an exemplary further embodiment accordingto various aspects of the disclosure; and

FIG. 18 shows a further view to illustrate the exemplary embodimentsshown in FIGS. 17 a,b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus according to the invention for transformingplastic preforms (not shown) into plastic containers (not shown). Thisapparatus comprises a main carrier 11, on which a blow mould 2 isarranged in a blow mould carrier 3 (in each case shown only partially).

Formed inside the blow mould 2 is a cavity 4, inside which the plasticpreforms are expanded through the application of compressed air to formplastic containers. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a stretchingrod 12, which is movable here in the longitudinal direction L, forstretching the plastic preforms. Reference 22 denotes a first blow mouldhalf and reference 24 denotes a second blow mould half. In addition, theblow mould also has a bottom 26 or a bottom part, which closes thecavity 4 in the downward direction during operation. Reference 14denotes a pressure application device or blowing nozzle which appliescompressed air to the plastic preforms.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, cleaning media can be supplied viasupply lines 42, 44. For this purpose, the apparatus also has a valveblock 46 which controls the supply of cleaning media. It would also bepossible that a cleaning medium is supplied via one supply line and arinsing medium, such as water for example, is supplied via anothersupply line.

FIG. 2 shows a detail view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. Inparticular, the supply lines 42, 44 are also provided, which areconfigured here in a flexible manner so that they can maintain theconnection despite a movement of the valve block 46 in the longitudinaldirection.

FIG. 3 shows a further view of a blow mould 2 according to thedisclosure. The stretching rod 12 is also shown in a sectional viewhere. In this embodiment, the cleaning medium is introduced into theblow mould 2 or the cavity 4 via this stretching rod 12. In this case,the stretching rod 12 can be moved in the longitudinal direction Lduring a special cleaning mode, and during this time can apply thecleaning medium to the inner wall 8 of the blow mould. Reference 10denotes the cleaning device in its entirety.

FIG. 4 shows a further view of the blow mould according to thedisclosure. It can be seen that there is arranged in the stretching rod12 a channel 18 and also an outlet opening 14, through which the mediumcan exit from the stretching rod 12. Reference 32 here denotes a furtheropening which is arranged in the bottom part 26. In addition, furtheropenings may be provided in the bottom part 26, which serve as outlets.

FIG. 5 shows a further view of the blow mould according to thedisclosure. Here, it is again possible to see the supply line 42, whichin this case is in a curved position since the stretching rod 12 ismoved into the blow mould 2 to the maximum extent.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a stretching rod 12. This stretchingrod 12 here has a plurality of outlet openings 14, through which thecleaning medium can exit from the stretching rod. These openings areformed here in an end section 36, which in this case has a sphericalshape. Furthermore, the outlet openings are in each case arranged at anangle, so that the cleaning medium can exit at an angle therefrom.

FIG. 7 shows a view of the stretching rod 12 in partial section. Here,too, it is possible to see the channel 18 and also the sub-channels 19which connect the channel 18 to the outlet openings 14. It would also bepossible to provide outlet openings also in further regions of thestretching rod 12. In addition, the channel could also be configured forexample in a manner tapering from top to bottom, such that the cleaningmedium exits from the stretching rod 12 at the same pressure in eachcase even if further openings are provided.

FIG. 8 shows a further view of a stretching rod. It is again possible tosee here the end section 36 and also the outlet opening 14.

FIG. 9 shows a further schematic view of a blow mould according to thedisclosure comprising the two blow mould halves 22 and 24. Reference Sdenotes jet directions in which the cleaning fluid strikes the innerwall 8 of the blow mould. A corresponding outlet opening or cleaningnozzle is denoted here by reference 25. Reference 37 denotes a channelthrough which the cleaning medium is supplied, and references 38 and 39denote forward and return paths for a temperature control medium for thebottom part 26.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a bottom part 26. Here, it ispossible to see openings 29 which are arranged in a wall 27 of thebottom part. These openings serve for discharging the cleaning mediumand are preferably arranged in a relatively low-lying region of thebottom part 26. Reference 23 denotes channels through which the cleaningfluid is discharged.

FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of the bottom part shown in FIG. 10. Itis once again possible to see here the channel 23 for discharging thecleaning medium. It is also possible to see that a feed channel 29 aextends from the opening 29 towards the channel 23. In this way it ispossible to discharge the cleaning medium from a plurality of openings29.

It would also be possible to introduce a cleaning agent through thebottom part 26 during a cleaning mode. An apparatus in which the blowmould has at least one inlet for a coating agent is known from DE 200 23423 U1. The subject matter of said disclosure is hereby also fullyincorporated by way of reference into the subject matter of the presentapplication. However, while it was proposed in DE 200 23 423 U1 tosupply a coating agent, it is now proposed to supply a cleaning agent.

FIG. 12 shows a view of a bottom mould according to the disclosure frombelow. In particular, a labyrinth region is provided here, which servesfor heating purposes.

FIG. 13 shows a further side view of the bottom part 26. In addition tothe channels 23, it is also possible to see here higher located channels21 which likewise serve for discharging cleaning media.

An apparatus according to the disclosure may also comprise sensordevices which monitor a cleaning state of the inner wall 8 of the blowmould 2. For example, it would be possible that an image recordingdevice optically checks the inner wall 8 in an open state. In addition,it would also be possible that further cleaning devices are provided,such as brushes for example, which mechanically clean the inner wall inan open state. However, it is also possible that such a brush device isintroduced into the apparatus in the longitudinal direction L.Furthermore, it would also be possible to apply a plurality of cleaningmedia one after the other to the inner wall.

Instead of the customary liquid cleaning media mentioned here, however,it would also be possible to use cleaning media in gas or vapour form.In addition to the liquid cleaning media, further sterilisation unitscould also be provided, such as UV emitters or electron emitters forexample, which bring about a disinfection of the inner wall.

Furthermore, additional nozzles or openings could be provided, by meansof which rinsing fluid, such as distilled water for example, can beapplied to the inner wall 8 of the blow mould 2. Therefore, after theactual cleaning mode using the cleaning fluid, a rinsing mode could alsobe provided which serves for rinsing out the blow mould 2. This rinsingmode could take place in a closed state of the blow mould. However, itwould also be possible that the blow mould 2 is first opened and thenthe inner wall 8 is rinsed in the open state.

Finally, it would also be possible to arrange cleaning nozzles on theinner wall itself, so that such a cleaning nozzle sprays for example anopposite region of the inner wall 8.

Furthermore, liquid measuring devices may be provided which determinethe quantity of cleaning medium applied to the blow mould. In this way,it can be ensured that only a predetermined quantity of cleaning fluidis applied for each cleaning process.

FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of a blow moulding machine accordingto the disclosure. In this arrangement, the transformation process takesplace inside a sterile chamber 60, through which the individual blowmoulds are transported. This sterile chamber is in this case delimitedby a plurality of walls 62, 64, wherein here the outer wall 62 isarranged in a stationary manner and the inner wall 64 moves along withthe individual blow moulds or the blow mould carriers. The stretchingrod 12 is in this case moved through a wall of the sterile chamber 60.In order to achieve a sealing effect here, bellows may be used forexample. Reference 66 denotes a sealing device for sealing with respectto one another walls 62, 64 of the sterile chamber 60 which can moverelative to one another. This sealing device 60 may be a so-called waterlock for example.

Reference 90 denotes a covering device which can be used to seal off theblowing nozzle during a cleaning process. This sealing device may inthis case be applied to the blowing nozzle by means of a magneticelement 92, which is located outside the sterile chamber 60 here.However, it would also be possible to move the covering device by meansof other elements, such as servo motors, pneumatic or hydraulic drives.

Reference 52 denotes a carrier, on which there is arranged a drivedevice 54 for moving the stretching rod 12 by means of a carriage 56.

FIG. 15 illustrates a cleaning process for cleaning the blowing nozzle80 or for Cleaning In Place (CIP). To this end, a cleaning orsterilising medium is introduced, for example, continuously into thechannel 18 of the stretching rod 12 and passes from there to the blowingnozzle 80, which during the cleaning process is covered by the coveringdevice 90 (so-called CIP cap), in order to clean this blowing nozzle 80.Reference 98 denotes a sealing device for sealing off the region betweenthe blowing nozzle and the covering device in a covered state of theblowing nozzle.

The cleaning medium is then fed back via a return line 82, 74. Inaddition, it would also be possible to use, in order to drive thecleaning medium forwards during the cleaning process, the compressed airwhich is used in the operating mode for expanding the containers.

In addition, it would be possible in the context of cleaning the blowingnozzle also to carry out a cleaning of the valve block which controlsthe supply of blowing air to the plastic preforms. To carry out thiscleaning process too, the covering device 90 may bear against theblowing nozzle. During the operating mode of the machine, the returnlines 82, 74 may thus also serve to supply the blowing air for expandingthe plastic preforms.

FIGS. 16 a and 16 b show a further embodiment of the present disclosure,but in this case in the use for a heating device for heating the plasticpreforms. A covering device 90, such as a so-called CIP cap for example,is once again provided here and is arranged below the holding element84. In this embodiment, this covering device is arranged such as to beable to pivot relative to the holding element 84. It is thus possiblethat these covering devices 90 are mounted pivotably and in such a wayas to be able to travel along a chain of furnaces (not shown). It wouldalso be conceivable that the CIP caps 90 are not assigned to eachholding element 84 but rather are arranged in a stationary manner inorder to allow a cleaning of the holding elements 84 in cycles. It wouldalso be conceivable that the CIP caps 90 temporarily accompany theholding elements 84. In this way, a continuous cleaning process alongthe accompanying path would also be possible.

A covering device 90 is therefore advantageously arranged on at leastone holding element 84, wherein a cleaning fluid can be passed over atleast some sections of this covering device 90.

Reference 112 in FIG. 16 b accordingly denotes a guide cam arranged in astationary manner, by means of which a roller 92 arranged on thecovering device 90 can be moved in order to pivot the covering device(in the plane of the figure in FIG. 16 b). This guide cam is in thiscase additionally able to pivot or extend by means of a drive device,such as a pneumatic cylinder 114 here. In this case, it is possible thata second cam segment 112 c can be displaced relative to a first camsegment 112 a in order to adjust the guide cam 112. Reference 112 bdenotes a corresponding transition segment. By virtue of the adaptationof the cam 112 shown schematically in FIG. 16 b, a pivoting process ofthe covering device can be achieved. However, it is also possible tomove or displace jointly the cam segments 112 a, 112 b and 112 c.

Reference 94 in FIG. 16 a denotes an articulation such as a pivot shaft,about which the covering device 90 can pivot. Reference 98 denotes asealing device for sealing off the holding element (in particular duringa rinsing process).

For cleaning purposes, a cleaning or sterilising medium runs (forexample, continuously) via a rotary distributor in the furnace throughthe heating mandrel and/or the shielding plate and is returned againfrom the CIP cap via a return line (not shown). Servo movements wouldalso be conceivable for the caps.

In some aspects, the heating mandrels are in this way sterilised on arotary furnace (for example selective transformed infrared (STIR) ormicrowave). An easier rotary distribution would also be obtained in thiscase. However, it would also be conceivable to clean/sterilise in thisway the heating cavities assigned to one or more preforms, that is, forexample the resonators or heating pockets.

FIGS. 17 a and 17 b show a further embodiment of the present disclosure.Here, so-called heating holders 120 or heating pockets are provided, inwhich the plastic preforms are heated during the operating mode. Theseheating holders move with the plastic preforms. These heating holders120 therefore act as irradiating chambers surrounding the preforms.These heating holders may in this case be arranged in the manner of acarousel. References 122 denote infrared emitters which heat the plasticpreforms arranged in the holding space 124.

An inner wall of the heating holders 120 may in this case be configuredas a ceramic infrared emitter. In addition, it is possible that arod-shaped infrared emitter (not shown) is introduced into the plasticpreforms in order to heat the latter. The plastic preform may in thiscase be arranged entirely (possibly apart from its mouth) inside theheating holder. However, the holding element 84 or the heating mandrelneed not itself be configured as an IR emitter, but rather merely has tobe reflective or to hold the plastic preform. Reference 126 denotes aprotective screen for the IR emitters.

FIG. 17 b shows the heating holder 120 in a cleaning mode. Here, thisheating holder is sterilised by being filled with a sterilising medium130. More specifically, the heating emitters 122 and the reflectors canalso be cleaned here. Reference 132 denotes a bottom of the heatingholder, which in this case also forms an outlet for the sterilisingmedium 130. For opening purposes, the bottom can be pivoted about apivot axle 134. In FIG. 17 a, it is also possible to see a returnchannel 118 which serves for the return of the sterilising medium. Theheating holder 120 may in particular be filled through the holdingelement 84 itself. A dedicated covering device 90 for the mandrel 84 isthus not absolutely necessary. In this way, an immersion of a holdingelement 84 for the purpose of cleaning or sterilising the outer surfacesis also possible. In other words, the heating holder 120 could in thisway perform the function of the covering device 90.

FIG. 18 shows a further view to illustrate a sterilisation process. Thecleaning medium is conducted via the channel 104 into a receiving space140 formed by the covering device 90. From there, the cleaning mediumflows back upwards (arrow P2) and through the return channel 118. Forthis purpose, the covering device 90 is pressed against a stop 152,wherein this stop in the operating mode of the installation can alsoserve as a stop for the plastic preforms.

Reference 142 denotes a gripper jaw which serves for holding the plasticpreforms. These gripper jaws 142 can also be cleaned at the same time.For this purpose, the holding element has a sub-channel 154 which servesfor rinsing behind the gripper jaws 142. Reference 98 once again denotessealing devices for sealing off the covering device 90 with respect tothe holding element during the rinsing process. By means of a springdevice 146 (which may nevertheless also be an elastic O-ring), thegripper jaw 142 is biased outwards. Reference 144 denotes a holdingspace for holding the gripper jaws 142. In other words, the holdingelement 84 is cleaned or sterilised both from inside and from outside.

The covering elements 90 shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 could also be made atleast partially from a reflective material in order to reflectradiation, for example, onto the preform, during normal operation of theapparatus.

The cleaning or sterilising fluid may also be used during normaloperation for cooling individual elements, such as the heating mandrels.

In addition, it is pointed out that the present disclosure can also beused for those machines which heat the plastic preforms in a non-uniformmanner in the circumferential direction thereof (preferential heating).Such an apparatus has been presented for example in German patentapplication No. 10 2009 021 792.4, which has not yet been published. Thecontent of the disclosure of said application is hereby fullyincorporated by way of reference into the content of the disclosure ofthe present application.

In this case, it would also be possible to clean for example clampswhich make contact with the plastic preforms in order thus to apply anon-uniform temperature profile to said preforms. The cleaning could inthis case take place via brushes or also via a CIP mode.

In addition, a cleaning of a sterilisation module, as described inPCT/EP2009/059923, could also be carried out. The content of thedisclosure of said application is also hereby fully incorporated by wayof reference into the content of the disclosure of the presentapplication.

In this case, the holding elements 84 serve to hold the plastic preformsduring the transport thereof through the heating device. In theillustrated embodiments, the holding elements grip into the mouths ofthe plastic preforms to be transported.

In addition, it would also be possible to treat such heating modules,which heat the plastic preforms in a non-uniform manner in thecircumferential direction thereof (preferential heating), in a mannersimilar to that proposed here. For example, a cleaning agent could beintroduced via an insertable rod or else via an automaton from outside.A sterilisation module for sterilising the containers could also becleaned in this way, i.e. a cleaning agent could be introduced via aninsertable rod or else via an automaton from outside.

Furthermore, it would also be possible to combine with one another thefeatures shown in the individual figures, that is to say for example toapply features which relate to the heating device shown in FIGS. 16 a-18also to the blow moulding machine or vice versa.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the blow moulding machinewith cleaning system of the present disclosure without departing fromthe scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of thespecification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It isintended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplaryonly.

1. Apparatus for transforming plastic preforms into containers,comprising: at least one blow mould which forms a cavity inside whichsaid plastic preforms can be transformed into containers; a pressureapplication device for applying a medium to the plastic preforms inorder to expand said plastic performs against an inner wall of the blowmould delimiting the cavity; a stretching rod for stretching the plasticpreforms in a longitudinal direction thereof; and a cleaning device forcleaning regions of the blow mould, the cleaning device including atleast one outlet opening for a cleaning medium for cleaning the blowmould, said outlet opening being arranged at least at times inside theblow mould.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outletopening is designed as a nozzle for the cleaning medium.
 3. Apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the blow mould has two side members whichcan be pivoted away from one another, and when in a closed state aninterior of said two side members forms the cavity.
 4. Apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the blow mould has a bottom member. 5.Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one outlet openingis arranged in at least one of the stretching rod, a bottom member ofthe blow mould, and the pressure application device.
 6. Apparatusaccording to claim 5, wherein the stretching rod has an end sectionpointing towards a bottom of the containers, and the outlet opening isarranged in said end section of the stretching rod.
 7. Apparatusaccording to claim 5, wherein the outlet opening is arranged in acentral region of the bottom member of the blow mould.
 8. Apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the blow mould has discharge openings fordischarging the cleaning medium.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 8,wherein the discharge openings are provided in a bottom member of theblow mould.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blow mouldis arranged in a movable manner.
 11. Arrangement for transformingplastic preforms into plastic containers, comprising a plurality ofapparatuses according to claim 1, wherein the apparatuses are arrangedon a common transport device.
 12. Method for transforming plasticpreforms into plastic containers, comprising: delimiting a cavity withat least one inner wall of a blow mould; expanding the plastic preformsinside the cavity through the application of a medium to form plasticperforms; moving the blow mould from an open state to a closed statewhen no plastic container is accommodated inside the blow mould; andcleaning at least one region of the blow mould by the application of acleaning medium while the blow mould is in the closed state.
 13. Methodaccording to claim 12, further comprising: introducing the cleaningmedium into the cavity through at least one of a bottom region of theblow mould, a stretching rod configured to stretch the plastic preformsin the longitudinal direction, and a blowing nozzle configured for saidapplication of a medium.
 14. Apparatus for transforming plastic preformsinto containers, comprising: at least one blow mould movable between anopen configuration and a closed configuration, an inner wall of saidblow mould delimiting a cavity which plastic preforms can be transformedinto containers; a pressure application device configured to apply amedium to the plastic preforms in order to expand said plastic performsagainst the inner wall of the blow mould; a stretching rod configured tostretch the plastic preforms in a longitudinal direction thereof; and acleaning device structured and arranged to clean regions of the blowmould, the cleaning device including at least one outlet opening fordirecting a cleaning medium toward at least one region of the blow mouldfor cleaning said region, said outlet opening being arranged at least attimes inside the blow mould.
 15. Apparatus according to claim 14,wherein said at least one outlet opening is arranged in at least one ofthe stretching rod, a bottom member of the blow mould, and the pressureapplication device.
 16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein thestretching rod has an end section pointing towards a bottom of thecontainers, and the outlet opening is arranged in said end section ofthe stretching rod.
 17. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein theoutlet opening is arranged in a central region of the bottom member ofthe blow mould.
 18. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the blowmould has discharge openings for discharging the cleaning medium. 19.Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the discharge openings areprovided in a bottom member of the blow mould.